China says reports of plan to recall French envoy on May 15 are 'fake news'

China's foreign ministry on Friday denied that it is recalling its ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, on May 15.

International media outlets reported this week that Lu would be called back to China, citing people in diplomatic circles, after he made comments last month questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet states including Ukraine.

"That is fake news," ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a press conference.